Ex Nihilo 2017 Edp

U ££

French Affair

by Quentin Bisch

Ex Nihilo French Affair is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2017, created by Quentin Bisch. French Affair opens with Violet Leaf, Litchi, and Bergamot, settles into a heart of Rose, Cedar, and Angelica, and dries down to a base of Vetiver, Patchouli, and Oakmoss. Ex Nihilo's French Affair carries a Favourite verdict, a woody-led wear.

French Affair is a divisive beast: a modern chypre that’s either a masterpiece of sophisticated, earthy allure or a musty old house, depending on who you ask. Brace yourself for compliments, or complaints.
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  • Sophisticated
  • Edgy
  • Classic
  • Bold
  • Mysterious
French Affair Eau de Parfum bottle

ScentArt

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Profile

Citrus Floral Fruity Green Sweet Warm Woody Earthy Animalic Fresh
Citrus 9%
Floral 16%
Fruity 10%
Green 23%
Sweet 10%
Warm 3%
Woody 25%
Earthy 30%
Animalic 1%
Fresh 17%

Mood Profile

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

Accords

Woody
100%
Earthy
84%
Mossy
65%
Aromatic
60%
Rose
55%

Notes

Top Notes

Violet Leaf 37% Litchi 33% Bergamot 30%

Heart Notes

Rose 36% Angelica 32% Cedar 32%

Base Notes

Oakmoss 37% Vetiver 37% Patchouli 27%

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Fall
Also Works:
Winter

Built for the cooler edges of the year - autumn and spring pair best.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal
Also Works:
Casual

Given its strong sillage and impressive longevity often highlighted by reviewers, it's best reserved for social outings where it won't overwhelm. While it has an elegant side suitable for formal events, its unique, earthy character also makes it intriguing for dates and more curated casual settings.

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Where to buy

Wide selection Amazon UK Prime delivery often available Check price on →
Lowest Upfront £142.80 Notino - 50ml Buy Best Value £189.60 Notino - 100ml - £1.90/ml Buy
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About

Opens with a vibrant, slightly tart burst of litchi and bergamot, underscored by the green chill of violet leaf. This fresh introduction quickly deepens into a complex heart, where a clean, elegant rose meets the dry, woody embrace of cedar and Angelica's subtle herbal spice. The journey concludes with a rich, grounding base of damp oakmoss, earthy vetiver, and robust patchouli, creating a scent that's both ancient and undeniably modern.

Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing. See our methodology and disclosure policy.